Gaming tables having a table top exchangeable insert

ABSTRACT

A gaming table comprises a table top having a top and a bottom surface adapted to receive an exchangeable insert. For instance, the top surface is configured to receive gaming accessories and defines an exchangeable insert bed. A base is connected to and configured to support the table top. A table top exchangeable insert is configured to be located within the exchangeable insert bed, wherein the insert includes a securing structure, for releasably securing the table top exchangeable insert to the table top to provide the ability to conveniently change the insert as desired.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/032,211 entitled “Gaming Table Protecting Antennas fromElectromagnetic Interferences,” filed Feb. 22, 2011, and incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

This application is also related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,267, entitled“Apparatus and Method for Use of an Air Rail,” issued Apr. 3, 2001, alsoincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present description relates generally to gaming tables, and moreparticularly to gaming tables having a table top exchangeable insert.

BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART

As compared to slot or video type games, traditional table gamesoftentimes offer greater excitement for some players, group play, andoften attract big money players, which can result in larger profitmargins for the casino. In a table game environment, however, it isoften difficult to track how much money a player wagers, and thus it islikewise difficult to accurately provide complimentary gifts or rewardgood customers to encourage a return to a particular property. Priorgaming tables use gaming tokens or chips embedded with RFID to track aplayer's betting for this purpose.

These prior gaming tables with RFID gaming chips are pervasively used incasino and gaming rooms for table games such as blackjack, poker,baccarat, craps and roulette. Particularly, these tables are providedwith a RFID system including at least one RFID antenna for tracking andreading the gaming chips used during the play of a table game. Thesegaming tables further include low frequency and high frequency RFIDchips, low and high frequency RFID readers, table layouts, playingcards, dice, gaming furniture, roulette wheels, table accessories, andother products that are used for casino table games.

As described in related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/032,211,even with these prior art bet tracking techniques, numerous wageringaspects may be missed or unmonitored, as discussed below. With thegrowing use of electronic technology for chip verification and tracking,on-table shufflers and bill validators, today's gaming tables requiremore electronic equipment, devices, and wirings to be installed in them.As such, these electrical devices and wirings may interfere with theRFID antenna, causing malfunctions in the RFID tracking system. Further,the electrical devices and wirings emit heat inside the base of thetable, such that the performance of the electronic equipment and RFsignals and receivers can be affected.

Accordingly, one drawback to these prior art systems is that existingRFID-type systems may not be able to accurately track every token due tointerference caused by electronic equipment and wirings, particularlywhen numerous tokens are stacked. In addition, these prior art systemsmay suffer from inter-antenna interferences if RFID antennas are spacedtoo closely together for games that have multiple and independentbetting options per player seat, such as, for example, the game ofbaccarat. As a result, table layouts require sufficient spacing betweenantennas, which in turn may prevent use of a desired felt layout orprevent offering of the desired game.

Still further, there is a recognized need in the gaming industry toprovide a gaming customer with ever-changing gaming experience in orderfor the gaming operator to remain current, provide a variety of gamingoptions, etc. This may include new games, new game and table layouts,special gaming events, tournaments, VIP tables, or the like. Anydisruption in gaming operations, however, can be cause for concern asgaming operators are oftentimes hesitant to bring gaming tablesoff-line, and when doing so typically requires compliance with gamingregulation standards. For instance, there is a continued need in thegaming industry to provide, for example, multiple table games which canbe played alternately at a specially constructed gaming table known as a“multi-game table” while remaining gaming regulation compliant.

Thus, there is a need for a gaming table designed and built toaccommodate the electronic and/or mechanical equipment that isincreasingly provided on gaming tables, and yet provide the operator theability to conveniently provide a new and/or changed gaming experiencewith little or no disruption to gaming operations as desired. As such,the tables described herein may ultimately provide for a gaming tableconfigured to allow for a secured, minimally disruptive, quick-change ofthe table top, and yet still provide for ventilation and cooling ofelectronic equipment, elimination of any degradation in performance ofthe RF signals and electronic equipment, and still allow forspecially-built areas for a shuffler and a bill validator that areergonomically placed for dealer convenience and comfort while preventingany possible cheating.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a gaming table in accordance with oneor more examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A shows a plan view of a gaming table in accordance with one ormore examples of the present disclosure, illustrating a layout of thetable top.

FIG. 2B shows a plan view of an alternate example of a table top havingan exchangeable insert bed for receiving a table top insert thereon.

FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of a table top in accordance with oneor more examples of the present disclosure, illustrating a differentlayout from that of the table top shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a table top in accordance with one ormore examples of the present disclosure, illustrating another exampletable top insert.

FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the table top of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional side view of the table top of FIG. 3,taken along the lines 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged cross sectional view of the table top of FIG.3, showing an example air rail.

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged cross sectional view of the table top of FIG.3, showing a chamfered aperture and a locking device.

FIG. 8 shows side view of the table top of FIG. 3, showing the table topinsert partially removed from the table top.

FIG. 9 shows the table top of FIG. 8, showing the table top insertmounted within the table top.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another example table top insert.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the example table top insert of FIG.10 partially removed from the table top.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following descriptions of various examples are not intended to limitthe scope of the descriptions to the precise form or forms detailedherein. Instead the following descriptions are intended to beillustrative so that others may follow their teachings.

In the present disclosure, the term “gaming accessory” can mean any typeof gaming chip, gaming token, playing card, die, gaming plaque, gamingdisk, gaming plate, or any other suitable gaming accessory. Stillfurther, it will be appreciated that any suitable data storage and/ordata transmission device (contactless or otherwise), such as forexample, a radio-frequency identification (RFID), near fieldcommunication (NFC), etc. gaming chip can be embedded in any of theseaccessories, such that the gaming accessories can be detected, read,written to, and/or tracked by any suitable sensor, detector, reader,transceiver, antenna, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, a sample gaming table 10 in accordance with one ormore examples of the present disclosure is shown. In the illustratedexample, the gaming table 10 comprises a table top 20 and a base 50connected thereto, wherein the base 50 is sufficiently configured so asto support the table top 20. The example base 50 includes a generalbarrel-like configuration, and the example table top 20 includes agenerally semicircular shape, such that table game players may bepositioned around the table top 20 and within reach of a dealer. It willbe appreciated, however, that other shapes of the gaming table 10, andmore particularly the table top 20 and the base 50, are possible, suchas an oval, a circle, a square, a rectangle and the like. Still further,it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that thegaming table 10 may be constructed with any suitable base configurationincluding an open base and/or a closed barrel base, such as one that hasa stretcher bar that ties two legs together. In any instance, the base50 may be configured to store accessories, sensors, computer hardware,etc.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the example top surface of table top 20may be configured to receive any suitable gaming accessory 44 such as,for example, a gaming chip, a plaque, a playing card, a die, a disk,etc. In the illustrated example, the table top 20 may include a sensorand/or detector such as an RFID antenna 22 configured to operate todetect, read from, write to, and/or track any of the gaming accessories.While in the present application, the sensors are described withrelation to an RFID system, it will be appreciated that theconfiguration and/or type of sensor may vary as desired. For example,the sensor may be any suitable sensor, including for instance, a“presence sensor” such as an optical sensor, light sensor, weightsensor, etc. Still further, the sensors may be passive and/or may beactive as desired. Additionally, the sensors described herein may beembedded and/or attached to any suitable surface for achieving thedesired gaming sensing. More particularly, the example RFID antenna 22is illustrated as being mounted to the table top 20, but may be mountedto any suitable portion of the gaming table 10, such as a table insertas will be described herein.

The example RFID antenna 22 may be configured to perform any combinationof the listed functions. As shown in FIG. 2A, as an illustration, theexample table top 20 is shown to have, but is not limited to, sixantennas, such that six people may play a table game at the same time.As noted, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, ifprovided, any number and combination of antennas, sensors, detectors,etc., in any suitable size, shape, location, etc., may be positionedwithin the table top 20 and/or other location on the gaming table 10 andstill fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

The example gaming table 10 may have power cables, such as AC(alternating current) cables and may also have power supplies (e.g.,transformers, etc.) to power computers, displays, sensors, detectors,RFID readers, shuffling machines, bill acceptors, validators, etc., orany components that require power. Piping may be added to secure,shield, or protect any of the provide cables, data cables, antenna,etc., to keep them separated and/or protected from each other and fromequipment in the table. The piping may be insulated, or may be paintedor coated with a pre-formulated paint or coating for better efficiencyin preventing electromagnetic and harmonic disturbances caused by thecables to interfere with the various sensors.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the example table top 20 includes a cupshield 21 that shields a sensor such as the RFID antenna 22 from anypotential electromagnetic and/or harmonic disturbances caused by anycables or the like. In this particular configuration, the example RFIDantenna 22 is located within range of certain disturbances but isshielded by the cup shield 21 so that the antenna 22 is not detuned orlooped. The gaming table 10 may also include different kinds ofelectrical equipment, devices, and/or wirings that may interfere withthe proper function of RFID antenna 22. In particular, the table mayinclude a plurality of electrical wires 45, 46 and 47 located within ornear the table top 20, or within or near the base 50. For example, thegaming table 10 may include an AC wiring 45 and an RFID wiring 46 for anRFID system. The RFID system is not limited to just the RFID wiring 46,but may also include the RFID antenna 22, and data wiring 47 for aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) and other equipment for data transmission andcommunications.

As is well known, electrical equipment and wirings are capable ofgenerating electromagnetic or harmonic interferences with any of thesensors, including the RFID antenna 22, such that the RFID antenna 22may incorrectly read RFID gaming chips, RFID playing cards or otheraccessories. As such, a cup shield 21 may be provided to shield andprotect the RFID antenna 22 from electromagnetic interference (EMI)caused by the electrical equipment, devices and wirings located in thebase 50. The example cup shield 21 is configured to protect the RFIDantenna 22 against radio frequency interference (RFI), such as ACharmonic radiation, or any other interference source. Furthermore, inone particular example, the example cup shield 21 prevents the antennafrom being read under the table, so as to discourage counterfeitingduring a game. The cup shield 21 also may be configured to protect theRFID antenna 22 from being detuned, as further discussed below.

In the illustrated example, the gaming table 10 includes a billvalidator 26 located on the table top 20 and within reach of the dealer.As shown, the bill validator 26 is installed in both the base 50 and thetable top 20. The bill validator 26 may be installed within a cage andconstructed of any appropriate material, e.g., plywood and aluminum, onthe right or left side of the dealer as desired. The table top 20 mayinclude an RFID float tray 27 configured to store the gaming accessories44. In the illustrated example, the RFID float tray 27 is located on thetop surface of table top 20 and within reach of the dealer, however, anyconfiguration of the RFID float tray may be used without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

The example table top 20 also includes a card shuffler 24 located on thetable top 20 and within reach of the dealer. The example card shuffler24 is typically installed in the base 50 and the table top 20. The cardshuffler 24 may be located on the right or left side of the dealer.Furthermore, the table top 20 may include an LCD display 43 locatedwithin sight of the dealer such as in front of, on the right side or onthe left side of the dealer's position.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the example table top 20 includes a top base 28assembled with a top insert 29 and a strip 30 placed on a dealer side.An inlay 23 is attached to the top base 28. The inlay 23 includes raildrink openings with cup holders 48 and a dealer bar 25 attached to thestrip 30. In this example, the top base 28 and the top insert 29 bothmay be assembled together in any appropriate fashion, e.g., by usingscrews (not shown) or other fastening means. On the dealer side, thestrip 30 may be fastened in any practical manner, e.g., with metallicinserts 32 or the like. In additional, the example top insert 29 mayhave any one of the following: a cutout 33 for receiving the RFID floattray 27, a cutout 36 for receiving the bill validator 26, a cutout 34for a LCD module including the LCD monitor 43, or a cutout 35 for anantenna configured for testing, reading, writing to or tracking thegaming accessories 44.

In one particular example, the top insert 29 is coated or painted with apre-formulated coating or paint to limit the reading field produced bythe RFID antenna 22. As will be appreciated, this speciallypre-formulated coating or paint may also be applied to the interior ofcup shield 21. In such a configuration, the coating or paint preventsantenna from being read under the table so as to prevent cheating,prevents the antenna 22 from being detuned, and protects the RFID systemfrom radio frequency interference and electromagnetic interference.

FIG. 2A shows an example cross hatched portion identifying the topinsert 29 painted with the pre-formulated paint. In one example, thepre-formulated coating or paint is a water-based, conductive paint, witha copper composition. In another example, the pre-formulated coating orpaint comprises a water-based shielding material that is interspersedwith copper and/or ferrite particles. The density and viscosity of thepre-formulated paint may be defined in an advantageous way such that thepaint may be easily applied on wood and plastic materials to preventdetuning the antennas. Typically, the paint may be applied in all areasaround the antennas without creating a closed loop.

For the manufacture of the inlay 23, any appropriate material may beused, such as for example, wood, plastic, composites, etc. In oneexample, the width of the inlay 23 is 1¼″ wide. The example inlay 23 maybe assembled with several components of rail drink openings cut andprepared by using any suitable manufacturing process, including acomputer numerical control (CNC) machine. In this instance, after theinlay 23 is assembled, it is returned to the CNC machine for a finalradial cut, and then it may be sent to a sanding and staining area toapply a layer of clear polyester as desired, e.g., Duratek 904-045,combined with an organic liquid hardener, e.g., Superox Peroxide type“D,” each day for 6 days. Between each paint application to the inlay23, the hard wood may be sanded with sandpaper, e.g., #220. The inlay 23having the rail drink openings may then be secured to the table top withappropriate fasteners, e.g., 1¼″ screws.

Meanwhile, the example dealer bar 25 may be made of oak, mahogany, orother suitable material with suitable dimensions, such as, for example,¾″×1½″. In this example, the same finish process as discussed above forthe inlay 23 may be repeated for making the dealer bar 25. The dealerbar 25 may be secured to the table top 20 using appropriate fasteners,e.g., seven 1½″×¼″ flat head bolts with shiny metallic finish. Otherdimensions and ways of securing together the components of the gamingtable are possible.

The gaming table 10 may include another antenna (not shown) for the RFIDfloat tray 27, such that this antenna may be located under the RFIDfloat tray 27.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a table top 90 having a two-piececonstruction comprising a top base 91 having an exchangeable insert bed85 for receiving a table top exchangeable insert 80. Similar to the topinset of table top 20 illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 2A,exchangeable insert 80 is coated with a pre-formulated shielding coatingor paint 81 to limit the reading field produced by the plurality of RFIDantennas located on the RFID antenna beds 86, 87, 88, 89 in the tabletop 90. FIG. 2B shows the cross-hatched portion 81 identifying thepre-formulated paint. In one example of the exchangeable insert 80, thepre-formulated coating or paint is a water-based, conductive paint, witha copper composition. In another example, the pre-formulated coating orpaint comprises a water-based shielding material that is interspersedwith copper and/or ferrite particles.

In the particular illustrated example of FIG. 2B, the exchangeableinsert bed 85 is a recessed area on the surface of the top base 91 oftable top 90 and is configured to receive the table top exchangeableinsert 80 within its interior. The example insert bed 85 may be anyrecess, cutout, flange, support, etc. that is adapted to receive andsupport the insert 80 relative to the table top 90. The insert bed 85may be configured to completely and/or partially support the bottomsurface of the insert 80 once installed in the bed. For instance, thebed 85 may be a flange, a ledge, a cross-support, a portion of the base,etc. In operation, the example table top exchangeable insert 80 isplaced on the top surface of table top 90 within the interior of theexchangeable insert bed 85. In this example, a plurality of hollowcircle members 82, 83, 84 are arranged in table top exchangeable insert80 to accommodate the plurality of RFID antenna beds 86, 87, 88, 89 inthe table top 90, and more particularly in the bed 85. Typically, thedepth of the exchangeable insert bed 85 matches the thickness of thetable top exchangeable insert 80. In other words, the insert bed 85supports the table top exchangeable insert 80 such that the top surfaceof the table top 90 and the top surface of the insert 80 aresubstantially coplanar.

As illustrated, in one example, the diameter of the plurality of hollowcircle members 82, 83, 84 are sized to fit the diameter of the pluralityof RFID antenna beds 86, 87, 88, 89 within the interior of the hollowcircle members. The thickness of the table top exchangeable insert 80 issized so that the surface of exchangeable insert 80 is coplanar with thesurface of the RFID antenna beds 86, 87, 88, 89. While, the thickness ofthe example table top exchangeable insert 80 is ¾″, it will beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any suitablethickness may be used for the table top exchangeable insert 80 asdesired.

FIGS. 3-9 illustrate another example of a table top exchangeable insert380 for use with the example table top 90, or any suitable table top.Similar to the previous example, in the illustrated example, the insert380 is generally a semicircular insert having a plurality of apertures382, 383, 384, arranged in the table top exchangeable insert 380 toaccommodate a plurality of sensors, such as, for example a plurality ofRFID antenna beds 386, 387, 388 supported on the table top 90. In thisexample, each of the apertures and sensors is circular in shape, but mayvary in size, location, and/or shape as desired.

Specifically, in this example, the insert 380 includes a generallycollinear portion 300 and a generally arcuate portion 302. At least aportion of a perimeter of the collinear portion 300 defines a securingstructure, such as a tongue 304 that engageably mates with acorresponding structure, such as a notch or groove 306 formed in thetable top 90. As will be understood, the securing structure may be anysuitable securing structure mounted and/or formed on either or both ofthe insert 380 and the table top 90. For instance, the securingstructure can be any removable mechanical and/or chemical deviceincluding, a pivot, a latch, a hook-and-loop, a releasable adhesive, orany other suitable securing means.

The example insert 380 also includes an optional locking device, such asa lock 310 extending from a bottom side of the insert 380 and adapted tobe received by the table top 90, e.g., though an aperture 312 defined bythe supporting surface of the table top 90. In the illustrated example,the lock 310 comprises a keyed, cam lock that allows for the securementof the insert 380 within the table top 90, although any suitablemechanism, including for instance a latch, may be utilized. To providean adequate playing surface, the example insert 380 also includes a baseportion 314 covered by any desired playing surface such as a pad 316underlay and a playing felt 320 outer layer.

In operation, the example insert 380 may be removably inserted into theinterior of the exchangeable insert bed 85 by first engaging the tongue304 with the groove 306 as shown in FIG. 8. Once engaged, the insert 380may be rotated downward toward the insert bed 85 and secured in positionwith the lock 310. Together, the lock and the securing structure combineto secure the insert 380 in the bed 85 such that the insert 380 cannotbe easily removed by unauthorized persons thereby preventing access toand tampering with RFID sensors, wirings, etc. While the lock 310 isillustrated as being mounted to the insert 380, it will be appreciatedthat the lock 310 may be mounted to any of the insert 380 and/or thetable top 90 as desired. To remove the insert 380, the lock 310 mustfirst be disengaged, and the insert rotated away from the table top 90sufficiently to allow the disengagement of the tongue 20 from the groove306. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that themethod and/or steps of securing and/or removing the insert 380 from thebed 80 may be changed and/or altered as desired.

Still further, in this example, because the table top 90 includes aplurality of sensors 386, 387, 388, and because the example insert 380is rotated into position within the bed 85, each of the aperturesincludes a chamfered portion 320 to allow the sensor to pass through theaperture without contact (e.g., to avoid damage). As such, the sensor isable to extend at least partially though the base 314 of the insert 380and into close proximity with the playing surface of the insert 380,thereby increasing the effective range and reliability of the sensor.

It will be additionally noted that as previously described, theillustrated table top 90 includes additional gaming accessoriesincluding at least one conduit wire 330 and an air rail system 332 inaccordance with known gaming table construction. For instance, theconduit wire may be a power supply, network cable, etc. Meanwhile, theexample air rail system 332, may be similar to the air rail systemdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,267, hereby incorporated by referencein its entity, and including a fan 334 and air chamber 336, and at leaston air nozzle 338 to produce an airflow from an upper surface of thetable top 90.

To ensure compatibility, the insert 380 may be constructed to interfacewith, support, and/or accommodate any and/or all of the gamingaccessories, connectors, and/or sensors supported within the gamingtable 10. In particular, the insert 380 may include an internal conduitand electrical connector system (not shown) (e.g., a plug-to-interfaceconnector) to provide an electrical interface with and electricallycouple with the conduit 330, or any other electrical connection asdesired. In this manner, any electronics mounted in and/or on the insert380 (e.g., lights, sensors, electronic devices, signage, etc.) may beattached to and coupled with the corresponding electronic system in thetable top 90.

As way of another example, the insert 380 may also include at least oneinternal air chamber 350 formed in the base 314 and configured such thatwhen mated with the table top 90, the air chamber 350 is coupled to theair chamber 336 of the air rail system 332 and to extend the air railsystem 332 toward the outer edge of the gaming table 10. It will beappreciated that the air chamber 350 extended through the insert 380 mayinclude any suitable means for directing the air through the insert 380,and more particularly through the playing surface as desired. Forinstance, the air chamber 350 may include a grommet and/or othersuitable aperture defined through the playing surface, including a vent,etc. As will further be understood, the direction, temperature, speed,etc. of the airflow through the air chamber 350 may be controlledthrough any suitable electronic and/or mechanical means includingadjustable apertures, valve, and/or variable flow fans, etc. In stillother examples, the air chambers 30 may not include any additionalaperture through the playing surface, and may simply direct the air tothe playing surface with sufficient pressure to cause the airflow to atleast partially penetrate the felt covered playing surface.

Turning to the example of FIGS. 10 and 11, there is illustrated anexample insert 380′ that does not include any additional sensors,apertures, etc. Rather, in this illustration, the example insert 380′simply comprises a base 314′, a playing surface 320′ (e.g., a playingfelt and a pad) a securing structure 304′, and a lock 310′. As with theprevious examples, the insert 380′ may be removably secured to the tabletop 90 by first engaging the securing structure 304′ with acorresponding structure in the table top 90, and rotating the insert380′ toward the insert bed 85. The insert 380′ may be securely locked tothe table top 90 with the lock 310′ to prevent any tampering and/orremoving of the insert 380′ without proper authorization. To remove theinsert 380′, the process is once again reversed, with an unlocking ofthe lock 310′, the rotation of the insert 380′ away from the bed 85, andthe disengagement of the securing structure 304′ from the table top 90.

Although certain example methods and apparatus have been describedherein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. Onthe contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles ofmanufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claimseither literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

We claim:
 1. A gaming table comprising: a table top having a top and abottom surface, the top surface being configured to receive gamingaccessories, the top surface having a recess; a base connected to andconfigured to support the table top; and a table top exchangeable insertconfigured to be supported within the recess, the table top exchangeableinsert including a securing structure, for releasably securing the tabletop exchangeable insert to the table top.
 2. A gaming table as recitedin claim 1, wherein the table top includes a corresponding securingstructure for cooperating with the securing structure of the table topexchangeable insert to releasably secure the table top exchangeableinsert to the table top.
 3. A gaming table as recited in claim 2,wherein the securing structure of one of the table top exchangeableinsert or the table top is a tongue and wherein the correspondingsecuring structure of the other one of the table top exchangeable insertor the table top is a groove.
 4. A gaming table as recited in claim 1,further comprising a lock mounted on at least one of the table top orthe table top exchangeable insert to lockably secure the table topexchangeable insert within the recess.
 5. A gaming table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the recess is defined by the top surface of the tabletop and includes at least one support within the recess to support thetable top exchangeable insert within the recess.
 6. A gaming table asrecited in claim 5, wherein a top surface of the table top exchangeableinsert is substantially coplanar with the top surface of the table topwhen the table top exchangeable insert is located within the recess. 7.A gaming table as recited in claim 6, wherein the depth of the recess isthe same as a thickness of the table top exchangeable insert.
 8. Agaming table as recited in claim 1, wherein the table top exchangeableinsert defines an arcuate perimeter portion and a substantiallycollinear perimeter portion.
 9. A gaming table as recited in claim 8,wherein the arcuate perimeter portion and the substantially collinearperimeter portion generally define a half circle.
 10. A gaming table asrecited in claim 1, wherein the recess is sized and positioned such thatremoval of the table top exchangeable insert from the recess does notnecessitate removal of any of the gaming accessories received within thetop surface of the table top.
 11. A gaming table as recited in claim 10,further comprising at least one sensor located within the recess of thetable top, supported by the table top and located at least partiallybeneath the table top exchangeable insert when the table topexchangeable insert is located within the recess, the sensor configuredto communicate with at least one of the gaming accessories.
 12. A gamingtable as recited in claim 11, wherein the table top exchangeable insertdefines at least one aperture sized to correspond to the at least onesensor such that each of the at least one aperture is configured to fitover a corresponding at least one sensor located within the recess ofthe table top when the table top exchangeable insert is located withinthe recess.
 13. A gaming table as recited in claim 12, wherein each ofthe at least apertures comprises a chamfered portion to allow the sensorto pass at least partially through the corresponding aperture withoutcontact.
 14. A gaming table as recited in claim 12, wherein at least aportion of the table top exchangeable insert proximate the at least onesensor is painted with a pre-formulated paint, wherein the paint isadapted to at least one of protect the at least one sensor againstelectromagnetic or RF interferences, limit a reading field withoutclosing a loop around the at least one sensor, or prevent detuning ofthe at least one sensor.
 15. A gaming table as recited in claim 1,wherein the table top exchangeable insert comprises a playing area. 16.A gaming table as recited in claim 15, wherein the playing areacomprises an outer layer of playing felt and an underlay of padding. 17.A gaming table as recited in claim 15, wherein the playing area of thetable top exchangeable insert comprises indicia specific to a gameutilized in a gaming location, and wherein the table top is devoid ofany indicia specific to the game.
 18. A gaming table as recited in claim17, wherein the an indicia of the table top exchangeable insert isaligned with a corresponding at least one sensor located within the topsurface of the table top when the table top exchangeable insert islocated within the recess.
 19. A gaming table as recited in claim 1,wherein the sensor comprises an antenna.
 20. A gaming table as recitedin claim 1, wherein the table top exchangeable insert includes at leastone air chamber.
 21. A gaming table as recited in claim 20, wherein theair chamber of the table top exchangeable insert is configured to matewith an air chamber fluidly coupled to a fan when the table topexchangeable insert is located within the recess.
 22. A gaming table asrecited in claim 20, wherein the air chamber defines at least oneaperture to produce an airflow from an upper surface of the table topexchangeable insert.
 23. A gaming table as recited in claim 22, whereinthe airflow through the defined at least one aperture is selectivelymodifiable.